Chapter 4

I stayed in the hospital for another three days.

During those three days, Marcus didn't call or text even once.

Sienna, on the other hand, kept posting on social media.

Marcus carrying her on his back in the park, with the caption:

"My legs are sore. It's so nice having a big brother to carry me."

And at our house, wearing my couple pajamas while gaming:

"Marcus's wife isn't home, so he dragged me over to keep him company. I just can't say no to him."

I saved every screenshot as evidence.

On the day I was discharged, I went home only to find the smart lock wouldn't open.

I rang the doorbell.

After a long time, I heard the shuffle of slippers inside.

The door opened.

Sienna stood there in my silk camisole nightgown, hair messy, with a glaring red mark on her neck.

When she saw it was me, she paused, then leaned against the doorframe without moving aside.

"Oh, you're back? Why didn't you give us a heads-up? I could've had Marcus pick you up."

She yawned, her eyes full of provocation.

I stepped around her and looked inside.

The once-clean living room now looked like a garbage dump.

Takeout boxes covered the coffee table. Beer cans rolled across the floor.

And... the crib I'd prepared for the baby.

That crib was now piled with Sienna's bags, coats, and makeup.

There were even unwashed socks just thrown on top.

The comforting teddy bear I'd carefully chosen was on the floor, covered in dust and grease stains.

I was furious.

"Who told you to touch that crib?!"

I shoved Sienna aside and rushed into the living room.

Sienna stumbled from the push and shrieked:

"What's your problem, Rain?! Why are you pushing me?"

"It's just a crib! I saw it sitting empty, so I used it for storage."

"Besides, you haven't even had the baby yet. Why put it out so early? It's just taking up space."

Just then, Marcus came out rubbing his eyes, wearing only shorts.

When he saw me, he frowned.

"What are you yelling about so early in the morning? Rain, are you having another meltdown?"

I pointed at the ruined crib, my voice shaking:

"Marcus, this was for our baby! You let her throw dirty socks in it? Are you even human?"

Marcus scratched his head impatiently and walked over to shield Sienna.

"Alright, alright. It's not that big a deal. Sienna didn't have anywhere to put her stuff, so she borrowed it. What's the problem?"

"Besides, we're all family. Why are you being so petty about what's yours and what's mine?"

"And..."

He paused, then said matter-of-factly:

"Sienna's been staying here to take care of me these past few days. With you gone, I couldn't even get a hot meal or clean clothes."

"She took time off to help me out. Instead of being grateful, you're throwing a fit."

Take care of him?

Looking at the garbage everywhere, I was impressed by his ability to lie with a straight face.

"She's staying here? Where's she sleeping?"

Marcus's eyes darted away. He wouldn't look at me.

"The guest room, of course! What are you thinking?"

"The guest room?"

I laughed coldly and pointed at the red mark on Sienna's neck.

"Then what's that? A mosquito bite?"

Sienna instinctively covered her neck, her face flushing, but she kept up the act:

"It is a mosquito bite! Can you stop being so dirty-minded, Rain? It's an allergic reaction! You know what that is?"

Marcus was equally defensive, feeling like I'd embarrassed him.

"Rain! You've gone too far! Sienna and I are completely innocent. I won't let you insult our friendship!"

"You've been gone these past few days. Sienna's the one who's been here for me. If it weren't for her, I would've starved."

"As my wife, not only did you fail in your duties, but the second you come back, you start kicking guests out."

Sienna tugged on Marcus's sleeve, tears appearing on cue:

"Marcus, stop fighting. It's all my fault."

"I shouldn't have come. I shouldn't have worried about you having no one to take care of you. If she can't stand me being here, I'll just leave."

She pretended to slowly pack her things, waiting for Marcus to stop her.

Sure enough, Marcus grabbed her arm.

"Leave? No way! This is my house and I decide who stays! If anyone's leaving, it's her!"

"Fine." I nodded without hesitation. "I'll leave."

Marcus probably didn't expect me to agree so quickly. He froze.

It wasn't until I opened the door that he snapped out of it and shouted at my back:

"Rain! If you walk out that door, don't you ever think about coming back!"

I didn't turn around. I shut the door behind me with a heavy thud.